Wray Morrison: In the trenches

The Saskatchewan Roughriders now find themselves with a 3 and 5 record against west division opponents in 2017.

In four of the five losses, the games weren’t even close. In the two losses to the best team in the CFL, the Calgary Stampeders, the issue has been pass protection.

In a July 22 loss to Calgary, the Riders allowed five sacks. Charleston Hughes had three, and James Vaughters had two. Saskatchewan had just 251 yards in total offence in that game.

Fast forward to Sunday’s 15-9 loss to the Stampeders, and again Calgary registered five sacks. Ja’Gared Davis got the quarterback three times, while Hughes had two. Saskatchewan settled for 246 yards in total offence and one fourth quarter touchdown.

Rider Nation is quick to start the Kevin Glenn/Brandon Bridge quarterback debate when the waters get choppy. However, if pass protection against the CFL’s elite doesn’t improve, it doesn’t matter who is at quarterback. The results will be the same.